Initial Drift Online Brings Free Tokyo-Style Drifting To Steam

Initial Drift Online is free to play on Steam right now, and I see it drawing attention from players looking for a fast racing fix without waiting for the next big release. The game drops you into Japanese mountain passes and leans hard into drifting culture inspired by the Initial D manga. It is multiplayer-focused, built around competition rather than solo progression, and structured around repeated runs through familiar roads.

I played races set across routes modeled after Irohazaka, Mt. Haruna, and Mt. Akagi. These locations are presented as part of a semi-open world, with players moving between events rather than selecting isolated tracks. Races place you directly against other drivers online, and the focus stays on clean corner entries, controlled slides, and exit speed. The handling aims for something grounded but forgiving, encouraging long drifts instead of snap corrections.

Progression ties back into the manga inspiration. Like Takumi, players can take tofu delivery jobs to earn in-game money. That currency feeds into car upgrades and cosmetic changes. Vehicles are customizable, though the emphasis stays on tuning for drift performance rather than raw top speed. Camera options let you race either in third-person or from inside the cockpit, and both perspectives are usable in competitive play.

The game includes a full day and night cycle that changes lighting across the mountain roads. Music playlists focus on Eurobeat and Phonk, which fits the tone without affecting performance. Online features include global rankings and in-game chat, keeping most activity centered around multiplayer sessions rather than isolated time trials.

Released in 2023, Initial Drift Online has collected more than 800 user reviews, landing in the mostly positive range overall. Recent reviews are more mixed, pointing to balance issues and matchmaking inconsistency, but the core driving loop remains the main draw. For a free title, the scope is clear and focused.

The current promotion makes Initial Drift Online on Steam free until Sunday, January 18. After that, it returns to its normal price. For players who want accessible drifting, recognizable roads, and active online races, the timing is straightforward.